FAQ-Conservation

• I own farmland in several counties in Kansas and I was wondering why the state cost-share program is different in each conservation district?

  The conservation district in each county administers the Division of Conservation (DOC), Kansas Department of Agriculture cost-share programs locally. There are policies and procedures set at the state level that must be followed by all conservation districts. However, each conservation district develops the local program based on local conservation needs and priorities.

• What are DOC Approved Standards and Specifications?

  These provide guidance for installing and maintaining cost-shared practices that must be adhered to. The Division of Conservation, Kansas Department of Agriculture (DOC) Approved Standards and Specifications are based primarily on the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Standards and Specifications. Practice Standards define the practice and where it applies. The conservation districts should be consulted for the DOC practice standards, which may be more restrictive than the NRCS practice standards. Practice Specifications are detailed requirements for installing the practice that follow NRCS Specifications (when NRCS has developed specifications).

• I cash lease my neighbor's pasture for my cattle to graze. I pay for all improvements such as fencing and fertilizing the grass. Can I get cost-share to have a water well dug and pipeline installed?

  The state's cost-share programs only provide financial assistance to landowners, except for certain irrigation practices and soil sampling. Perhaps you would want to make arrangements with the landowner and have him/her apply for the financial assistance. Also keep in mind, many practices must meet criteria requirements to be eligible for cost-share.

• I have a large gully in my pasture that keeps getting larger and I would like to see about getting some financial assistance on fixing the problem, but I do not know what practice to sign-up for.

  The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) works closely with conservation districts and will likely be the ones who provide you technical assistance including recommended practices to address natural resources concerns, practice design and staking at no cost. When you sign-up for requesting financial assistance you do not need to know what practice is going to be needed.

• Where can I sign-up for financial assistance on some terraces I need?

  At the conservation district office located in the same county as the property where the proposed terraces are going to be installed. If you participate in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm programs in an adjacent Kansas county, check with the conservation district located in this adjacent county to see if they have a policy to consider your request. Please note that conservation districts have designated signup periods for accepting requests for financial assistance, so you will need to find out when you can sign-up for financial assistance. Most conservation district offices are located in the USDA Service Center buildings.

• Can I apply for financial assistance for the new septic system recently installed at my home?

  No, one of the first eligibility requirements for financial assistance consideration is that the project has not been started or completed. Therefore, you are not eligible to receive financial assistance on this septic system

• I received state cost-share money a few years back on a waterway. I'm getting ready to sell my farm ground, so what do I need to do about the contract that I signed?

  It is your responsibility to obtain a written contract/agreement with the new owner to transfer the maintenance obligations to the new landowner if within 10 years of practice completion. You will also need to provide the conservation district with a copy of the contract/agreement.

• Do I have to report the money that I received from the state cost-share program on my Income Tax Return?

  Yes, these cost-share funds are considered a taxable grant and are reportable income. If you are in the business of farming, you should be able to deduct certain expenses for soil or water conservation or for the prevention of soil erosion on land used in farming. If you receive $600 or more within a calendar year from the State of Kansas, the Kansas Department Administration, Division of Accounts & Reports will issue you a 1099G (Report of Certain Government Payments) on or before January 31, for the payments received in the previous year from the State of Kansas. (Corporations are exempt from 1099 reporting.) Please consult a tax expert for additional guidance.

• Is there any financial assistance available for a pond I would like to have behind my home?

  As far as the Division of Conservation, Kansas Department of Agriculture cost-share programs, the proposed site and purpose of the pond must meet several eligibility requirements to be considered for financial assistance, i.e., the primary purpose of all water supply practices is to provide water for livestock to increase grazing distribution which reduces soil erosion and improve water quality.

• Why did I receive less cost-share than what I thought I was going to get?

  For Fiscal Year 2008 and older contracts the actual cost or county average cost, whichever is less, is used as a basis for determining the amount of cost-share assistance earned. Perhaps the actual amount that you paid for completing the project was higher than the county average cost. Starting with Fiscal Year 2009 contract, payment is based on the county average cost, which appears on your contract. Another possibility is the Contract for Financial Assistance that you originally signed provided an estimate of units to be constructed and the completed project actually required less units. If none of these are true, please contact the conservation district.